Christmas Ravens

They're around all year, but somehow, for me, black ravens against white snow and blue sky are emblematic of winter's arrival. The summer's chicks have been sent off and the "empty nester" parents almost appear to celebrate by spending time together. Ravens mate for life and renew their vows with aerial pas-de-deux, soaring in close formation, circling together, diving, flipping, and chasing.

They are playful in a season when the world seems so serious and reduced to few colors. Bravo to the ravens of winter!